The University of Adelaide Set to Shine at the 2025 Indigenous Nationals
The University of Adelaide, along with Wirltu Yarlu and Adelaide University Sport and Fitness, is proud to announce its participation in the prestigious 29th Indigenous Nationals, taking place from June 23 to June 27 at the University of Western Australia in Perth. This eagerly awaited event will bring together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university athletes from across Australia, who will compete in a range of sports including touch football, basketball, netball, and volleyball.
The Indigenous Nationals represent much more than just a sporting competition for 91×ÔÅÄ. As Michelle Wilson, CEO of Adelaide University Sport and Fitness, highlights, "The Indigenous Nationals form part of our participation and inclusion pillar within the AUSF Strategic Plan. It is a unique opportunity for our students to not only engage in sports but also to connect with fellow Indigenous students from across Australia, fostering networks and building lifelong relationships."
Among the excited athletes is Aidan Barbo, a sixth-year Medicine student, who expresses his enthusiasm for the cultural aspects of the event: "I enjoy the cultural aspect of bringing together Indigenous athletes. It’s about building relationships with teammates and getting to know First Nations athletes from other universities." Elisabeth Smith, a current Environmental Policy and Management student, echoes this sentiment, reflecting on the chance to "celebrate my identity and represent my community" through this significant event.
Before their journey to Perth, the team participated in an inspiring cultural send-off, featuring performances by Kaurna Performer Robert Taylor, along with the Imbala dance group. As the team prepares to embark on this incredible adventure, they are ready to showcase their talents and represent 91×ÔÅÄ with pride and passion. Their participation aims to foster camaraderie, cultural exchange, and sporting excellence, leaving a lasting impact ahead of the 2025 Indigenous Nationals.
Coordinated by Wirltu Yarlu Student Services Officer Danielle Carter, Outreach Coordinator Leesa Ashton and Senior Project Officer at Adelaide University Sport and Fitness, Julio Angulo-Cubias, this year’s team uniforms have been thoughtfully designed, featuring "The Journey," an artwork by Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri, Narungga, and Wirangu artist Gabriel Stengle. This artwork symbolises the power of education and the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, inspiring them to embrace their uniqueness, pursue their dreams fiercely, and maintain a strong connection to their culture and aspirations.
To ensure that each student-athlete is well-prepared for the competition, the University provides comprehensive support throughout their journey. Each group is assigned a dedicated University Team Manager, and athletes benefit from tailored trials, training, and sport-specific coaching sessions, thanks to collaborations with AU Touch, and the AU Waatu Basketball team. In addition, the partnership with the Adelaide University Fitness Hub enhances their preparation through baseline fitness testing, helping the athletes perform at their best when it matters most.
